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- 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned - 1 cucumber, peeled and diced - 1 cup cooked quinoa - Rice noodles (alternative) - 1 lime, juiced - 2 tablespoons peanut butter - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed - 8 small lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine) When I create Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups, I focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients. The main veggies are shredded carrots, red cabbage, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Each adds color and crunch. For protein and grains, I use cooked quinoa. It gives a nice base. If you want a twist, try rice noodles instead. They add great texture. The dressing is key. I mix fresh lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil. This blend is creamy and zesty. I add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, I love garnishing my salad cups. Fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts provide extra flavor and crunch. I use small lettuce leaves as cups, perfect for holding the salad. To make the salad cups, start with the carrots and cabbage. Use a box grater to shred the carrots quickly. For the cabbage, cut it in half. Remove the core and shred it with a knife. This gives a nice crunch. Next, for the bell pepper, slice it in half. Remove the seeds and stem. Then, cut the pepper into thin strips, known as julienning. For the cucumber, peel it first. Then, slice it in half and remove the seeds. Dice it into small pieces. Grab a small bowl to make the dressing. Add lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Use a whisk to mix them well together. This helps combine the flavors evenly. If the dressing is thick, add a little water. This will help it pour easily over the salad. In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, diced cucumber, cooked quinoa, and chopped cilantro. Mix them well with a spoon until everything is evenly distributed. Now, take a lettuce leaf. Spoon a generous amount of salad mixture into the center. Be careful not to overfill. This makes it easy to fold and hold. For a great presentation, arrange the filled salad cups on a platter. You can sprinkle crushed peanuts and cilantro on top for a nice touch. Serve with lime wedges on the side. This adds extra flavor and freshness when eating. To make your salad shine, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Start with a small pinch of salt. Taste and add more if needed. Use fresh ground pepper for a bright flavor. This simple trick can change the taste. Balancing the dressing flavors is key too. Mix lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, and maple syrup. If it tastes too sour, add more maple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a touch of soy sauce. Always taste as you go! Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Shred the carrots and cabbage the night before. This saves time and keeps your salad fresh. Store each vegetable in a sealed container. You can also cook the quinoa in advance. Just let it cool before using. To keep salad cups fresh until serving, leave the dressing off until you are ready to eat. If you mix everything too early, the lettuce will get soggy. Assemble your cups right before serving for the best crunch! Use a large mixing bowl for the salad. A glass or stainless-steel bowl works best. They are easy to clean and won’t hold onto odors. A whisk is great for mixing the dressing. A simple balloon whisk will do just fine. For cutting vegetables, use a sharp chef's knife. Make sure it is well-maintained for safety and ease. For julienning the bell pepper, slice it into strips first, then cut those into smaller pieces. This makes the task quick and easy! {{image_2}} If you want to change up the crunch, you can use different veggies. Try adding snap peas or radishes for a fresh twist. You can even use shredded zucchini! These options add great texture. For protein, chicken or tofu work well. Cooked chicken adds heartiness. Tofu is great if you want a plant-based option. Just make sure to season it well! Want a kick? Try adding sriracha to your peanut dressing. This will give it a spicy twist. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less peanut butter and more lime juice. For a vegan option, you can swap the honey for agave syrup. This keeps it sweet without any animal products. You can also use sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy. Serve salad cups in fun ways. Try using small jars or bowls for a unique look. You can stack the cups on a platter for a colorful display. Pair these cups with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal. A side of jasmine rice makes it even better. You can also serve a light soup to round out your dinner. To store your Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups, use airtight containers. Make sure you keep the salad mixture separate from the lettuce cups. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. If stored correctly, the salad cups can last for up to three days in the fridge. Always check for freshness before eating. Freezing the salad mixture can be tricky. The crunchy veggies may lose their texture. If you choose to freeze, do it without the dressing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date. This way, you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer. Aim to use them within a month for the best taste. To keep the ingredients crisp, store them in the fridge wrapped tightly. You can also add a damp paper towel to the container. This helps keep moisture in. If the salad loses some crunch, try refreshing it. Just toss it gently with a splash of lime juice. This can help revive the flavors and crispness before serving. Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups last for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. The veggies stay fresh, but the lettuce may wilt. For best taste, eat them sooner rather than later. Yes, you can prepare the salad cups in advance! Chop all the veggies and make the dressing ahead. Keep the salad mix and dressing in separate containers. When you are ready to eat, just combine them and fill the lettuce cups. This keeps everything fresh and crisp. Yes, these salad cups can be gluten-free! Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This makes it a great dish for those with gluten sensitivity. If you have allergies, you can use sun butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter. These options give a similar creamy texture. You can also try tahini or a soy-based dressing for a nut-free alternative. Adjust the taste as needed to match your preference. In this blog post, we explored making Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups. We covered each ingredient, from fresh veggies to proteins and dressing. I shared tips for prep and assembly, plus fun variations and storage information. These salad cups are not only tasty but also flexible. You can customize them to fit your taste and needs. Enjoy creating your version of these salad cups for a delicious meal any time!

Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups

Delight your taste buds with these Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups! Packed with fresh veggies, crunchy peanuts, and a creamy peanut dressing, they're perfect for a satisfying snack or light meal. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these flavorful salad cups that are both healthy and fun to eat. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends with this vibrant dish anyone can make!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned

1 cucumber, peeled and diced

1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice noodles for a different twist)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed

1 lime, juiced

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, red cabbage, bell pepper, cucumber, cooked quinoa (or rice noodles), and chopped cilantro. Toss together until all the vegetables are well mixed.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

      Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

        Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

          Take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the salad mixture into the center.

            Top each salad cup with crushed roasted peanuts for added crunch.

              Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling, creating a small cup shape, and serve immediately.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the filled salad cups on a platter and sprinkle additional crushed peanuts and cilantro on top for garnish. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.